Important Announcement from Etta's Book Club

January 30, 2009

On February 10, 2009 the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act passed by the U.S. Congress will go into effect. The CPSIA mandates all products intended for children under the age of 12 be tested by a third party lab for lead and phthalates levels. This law drastically impacts the existing format of Etta’s Book Club.

Every unique item sold in the U.S. is required to be tested at a cost prohibitive to many small businesses, including Etta’s Book Club. This law impacts all handmade goods, arts and crafts intended for children. We have been awaiting clarification of this legislation and how it impacts our goods, craft supplies, and the publishing industry in general. Regrettably, we have been forced to cease production of kits at this time.

As of February 7, 2009 we will not be able to ship book club kits. Our previous packages will be available online until then. Please note that we have no cause for concern as to the safety of our products. The charms are lead free and have always been U.S. made with high quality pewter and silver plating. To test every book, craft, ribbon, packaging material, etc. is impossible.

Etta’s Book Club will continue to be a champion of reading and literacy. We will support book groups and share ideas. We will continue our mission to encourage the love of reading through our online presence at ettasbookclub.com. We hope to reach many more girls and inspire many more families as we look forward.

On a personal note, I am sorry to see this aspect of Etta’s Book Club end. Etta’s Book Club kits have been a spectacular experiment. Three years ago I had a dream of sharing the love of reading with my daughter who struggled to read. She is now thirteen and despite dyslexia, loves to read. Using the creative approach of Etta’s Book Club has made all the difference.

Girls in 10 states across the country have joined in the fun of book club kits, crafts, charms, and club meetings. We’ve appreciated the friendships we have made and hope our relationships will continue. May there always be good inspiring books to read and friends to share them with.

Thank You for Supporting Etta’s Book Club,

Heather Bohman
Owner & Operator
Etta’s Book Club
Where We Just Love Books!

More Information

Here are a few interesting links to learn more about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act passed by Congress. Obviously the intent was good, to keep children safe, but the consequence of the law was not thoroughly thought out. Surely there will be more amendments made, but when?

http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

http://www.writeshop.com/blog/2009/01/06/cpsia-demise-childrens-cottage-industry/

http://www.vermontlibraries.org/consumer-product-safety-improvement-act-of-2008-and-libraries

http://thephoenix.com/Boston/News/74940-Congress-bans-kids-from-libraries/